Time for Romance

It lies nestled between the mountains: the dark shimmering Schwansee (Swan Lake). Its smooth surface radiates serenity and wraps couples in a blanket of seclusion. Every now and then the soft sound of the water lapping around the pier can be heard. Everyday life, sheltered by mountains full of trees. And on the pier a couple in love.

LITTLE HELPERS

Meanwhile, about three kilometres further south, preparations are in full swing at Das Rübezahl hotel. While the couple is spending a romantic picnic day by the lake, receptionist Elisabeth Siegl is doing a final check. Decorative items are being arranged, all colleagues are instructed one last time and the walkie-talkies are switched on – fresh rose petals, tea lights, iced champagne and a bouquet of red roses are waiting together for their big show. 14 years ago Elisabeth started her training at Das Rübezahl hotel. Meanwhile she is part of the reception management and one of the hotel's very own Ambassadors for Romance. Yes, something like that really exists.

Because Das Rübezahl hotel offers a lot for lovers: A bouquet of flowers in the room, horse-carriage rides, rose petal messages, engraved love padlocks, vintage car rides or romantic baths and partner treatments. If you wish, you may book a weekend package including candlelight dinner, picnic basket and honeymoon bath. Or, like our couple at the lake, the 'Proposing made easy' service.

Mostly men make use of this service. "So far I have only seen two women who have planned a proposal with us", says Elisabeth. "But that doesn't mean that men can't be bothered. They often send us personal things in advance, which we then integrate into the process. For me, these are the most beautiful proposals." Personalised ring pillows, photos, plates with inscriptions or their favourite music – if it is logistically possible, Das Rübezahl implements everything. During the peak season, the employees prepare up to three proposals per week. "It's great how the entire team is working together to make that happen", Elisabeth says. "We really share the excitement. The greatest reward is when the guests leave the house with a beaming smile on their faces. That' s when I know: we have done our job well."

But how does a wellness hotel come to specialise in marriage proposals? Well, quite simply: because the demand was there. "At some point, the number of wedding proposals in our hotel built up", hotel owner Giselle Thurm says. "The surroundings here are just like from a fairytale, which already puts the couples in the right mood. So we thought we had to do something here.”

MISSION UNDERCOVER

Back at the hotel, the couple is getting dressed up for their candlelight dinner. As they come down the stairs to the lobby, the Romance Team takes their starting positions. However, the employees must not let on about their mission. After all, the future wife or husband is not supposed to notice any of this. And they don't – even though the service is being advertised right there on the big screen in the entrance area. "Surely one or two already had a hunch", Elisabeth says. "But so far nobody has become really suspicious. Maybe it's the ambience, but maybe it's also because of the well-trained team that offers the couple their usual friendly nod on their way to the restaurant.

A quick glance, a tentative smile – and the couple disappears into the gourmet restaurant Gams & Gloria. The starting signal for the romance fairy and her team. Everything has to happen quickly now. While the couple enjoys a five-course menu, Elisabeth is preparing the grand finale. Hair straightener, lipstick and eyeliner disappear from sight, the bed sheets are changed and any clothes that have been tossed on the floor in a hurry are neatly folded and put on a chair. Elisabeth's trained hands arrange rose petals on the bed to form a heart, condensation pearls down iced champagne glasses and tea lights cast a romantic light on the room. Flower petals are beckoning to take a romantic bath. Soft music is playing from the speakers. Curtain up for the last act – or rather for the view of the castle.

For who could say no in this setting?

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

As soon as the room is decorated, Elisabeth hurries back to reception. Just in time to wish the couple a good night when they head up to their room. The rest of the evening is now entirely in the proposing one's hands. But the Ambassador of Romance is confident –  after all, no proposal has ever been turned down at Rübezahl.